A fine watchdog but not necessarily protective. The Basset Hound is well suited to a family with a sense of humour. Low energy. Second only to their ancestor the Bloodhound in their ability to scent; despite this trait, Basset Hounds enjoy rolling in foul-smelling messes. Drool a lot and howl delightfully, although are usually quiet in the house. Basset Hounds are not to be trusted off leash. He will often follow a scent that interests him, which can sometimes lead him into dangerous situations, like a road. Typical hound smell.
France, mid-1500s. The Basset Hound is a direct descendent of the Bloodhound and has a nose that is almost as capable. The breed was first presented at a Paris dog show in 1863, and it was there the dog’s popularity began. Its popularity spread to England and disputes soon arose between those who wanted the dog to be more of a show dog, keeping it more as a companion dog, and those who wanted to keep it as a hunting dog. The breed spread to America where breeders started developing the Basset Hound which they felt covered both hunting and companion / show traits.
Hunting fox, opossum, pheasant, hares and rabbits.
The Basset Hound is known to be friendly, calm, placid and devoted. Some examples can be mildly stubborn.
The Basset Hound stands 33 to 38 cm tall, and weighs between 18 to 36.5 kg; sturdy, with ears extending beyond tip of nose. Acceptable in any hound colour: red and white, tricolour, lemon-and-white.
The Basset Hound’s coat is medium-short but very dense, requiring moderate to high maintenance; weekly brushing is important. Eyes and ears need extra care; people who don’t like the hound smell should bathe their Bassets more frequently, but too many baths will dry out their skin. Average but constant shedding.
Eye ailments (glaucoma, PRA), bleeding disorders (thrombopathia, von Willebrand’s), thyroid problems, allergies, orthopaedic problems (elbow dysplasia, herniated disk, OCD, panosteitis). The Basset Hound put on weight easily, be careful not to overfeed these dogs because the extra weight will place a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. Basset Hounds are prone to bloat, so it is better to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one large meal.
Moderate; if not given enough exercise, the Basset gains weight rapidly; has more endurance than we think.
Can adapt to apartment life if walked regularly. Inactive indoors, but when outdoors they could play for hours if given the chance. Okay with no yards, but needs plenty playtime to stay lean.
The Basset loves everyone. Excellent with children, although not very playful. Good with all other pets.
Low; responds best to food rewards. Like many other hounds, Bassets can be stubborn and difficult to housetrain, so it is important to begin housetraining early. They do well with positive reinforcement and patient, gentle training.
Tracking, field trials, rabbit hunting.
